Cooperative targeting of NF-κB enhances ferroptosis-driven HCC therapy with Alisertib and Donafenib.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages, which limits treatment options. Although Donafenib is a standard therapy for advanced HCC, its effectiveness is often reduced by treatment failures. Alisertib, an Aurora-A kinase inhibitor, shows promise in enhancing the cytotoxic effects of Donafenib. This study investigates the combined therapeutic effects of these two agents. METHODS: Synergistic cytotoxicity was assessed via CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Ferroptosis activation was quantified through flow cytometry, lipid peroxidation, and measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular Fe(2+), and GSH/GSSG. Mechanistic studies involved immunofluorescence for NF-κB/p65 localization, along with Western blotting, qPCR, and dual-luciferase reporter assays to evaluate protein and gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments were performed to analyze the binding of NF-κB/p65 to its endogenous promoters. In vivo xenografts were established to evaluate the antitumor efficacy and potential side effects of the combination treatment, supported by histological and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: Optimal synergistic concentrations (Alisertib 2.5 µM + Donafenib 10 µM for HCCLM3; 5 µM for Huh7) induced profound ferroptotic cascades, evidenced by elevated ROS, lipid peroxides, and Fe(2+) accumulation concurrent with GSH depletion. The co-treatment potently inhibited p65 nuclear translocation while stabilizing IκBα, thereby suppressing NRF2-mediated antioxidant transcription. Xenograft models demonstrated marked tumor volume reduction with preserved organ architecture and hematological parameters, confirming clinical translatability. CONCLUSION: Alisertib is identified as a potent enhancer of Donafenib-induced ferroptosis through inhibition of the NF-κB/NRF2 pathway. This suggests a novel combinatorial strategy that targets ferroptosis through NF-κB inhibition. Further research is needed to translate these promising results into clinical practice.